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QUESTION: What’s the gift that’s never “wrong” for that special girl or woman in your life?ANSWER: BAGS, BAGS, and more BAGS!

Back in late October, we attended the SAKS FIFTH AVENUE BLOGGER BREAKFAST, in which Saks’ Fashion Merchandising and Communications team partnered with some of their top resources to showcase some of the best bags for fall, Holiday, and Resort 2009. Teens are strong candidates for Contemporary Market products. We encourage all teens [and tween girls] to give some SERIOUS thought to an upgrade. Forget Juicy Couture and Coach and TRADE UP – now! You can actually pick up a MARC by MARC JACOBS Mini Cosmetic or Pouch bag for $48 and $58, respectivelyAn actual handbag [“the Little Tate” will run you $158] and there are many more offerings for under $300 – what a mid-range Coach would cost you.

WHAT WE LIKED –That Saks was focusing on the CONTEMPORARY market and proved beyond a doubt that you can get a great bag from some of the best designers for under $500.

TOP STARS –As we arrived at the tail end, we didn’t do the event justice and hit everyone. What we did see and love were: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rebecca Minkoff and Jane Marvel.MARC JACOBS became a player in the accessories market when he went high profile in the fall of 1997. That’s when he joined mega-brand, LOUIS VUITTON, and gave the house a radical and much-needed face lift. Some of his biggest hits were in the area of handbags – he just keeps them coming, season after season. Add to this, his win at the 2006 CFDA Awards as “Accessories Designer of the year”, and you’ve got one of the best bag men walking the earth. Why WOULDN’T you buy a bag from this man, especially at these kind of price points? This season, he’s right on trend with colorful pieces including the of the moment purple. The warm gold hardware gives these “entry point” bags a decidedly upscale look.Visit Marc’s official website, Marc Jacobs to learn more about the man and his brand.

REBECCA MINKOFF started off as a clothing designer but really hit her stride when she designed “the Morning After” bag for her buddy, JENNA ELFMAN. The bag was an immediate smash hit and she continues to make it with different twists every season. Our pick for the Holidays is the “mini Morning After” in purple. The bag’s a winner, combining an of-the-moment color with a classic silhouette, earning it a long term spot in your closet. Ms. Elfman’s not the only celebrity fan. The list includes Hollywood and fashion’s hottest “it girls”: Agyness Deyn, Blake Lively, Sarah Jessica Parker.We made a bee-line for her neon patent leather ones as soon as we spotted them on the tables. Santa Baby – we’d like one in shocking pink and one in sharpie yellow. Thanks!To view all of Rebecca’s designs, visit Rebecca Minkoff